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PDI Checklist for Used Cars
PDI Checklist for Used Cars

Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist for Used Cars

12 Dec 2024
Key highlights
  • 1
    Check the car's service history and any signs of major damage
  • 2
    Ensure the exterior, interior, fluid levels, electronics, are functioning correctly
  • 3
    Take a thorough test drive before confirming the deal
Outline

The pre delivery inspection or PDI of a car is a series of checks done by the dealer before the customer takes delivery of their new or used car. If you are looking at a new car or want to purchase a used car, this article will serve as a guide about what to look out for before you take delivery of your car.
 

What is a Pre Delivery Inspection (PDI) Checklist?

 

What is a PDI Checklist


The PDI checklist is the final series of checks that the authorized dealer or the vehicle showroom carries out before they hand over the car to the customer. This involves a comprehensive evaluation of the vehicle, covering the body and exterior elements, the cabin and interior features Additionally, they will ensure the proper functioning of all electrical and electronic components or features, and fit-and-finish of any accessories installed in the car. A specialist team performs the PDI of the car and also performs checks for the level of fluids and also keeps a keen eye open for any blemishes or shortcomings on the body and paint.
 

Why is PDI for a Second Hand Car important?

 

Why is PDI important


 

The PDI of a new or used car is important because it is a crucial set of checks which determines the first impression and experience the customer has after taking delivery. Should there be any issues, big or small, with the car before it is handed over, the PDI helps identify them before it is too late to rectify. If there are any major issues found with the vehicle during PDI, the car brand’s authorised officials will work to rectify them. Minor issues can be taken care of by the dealer staff on site. All these factors are addressed with a PDI checklist for used car dealers, ensuring that the car you buy is functioning as promised. CARS24 offers used cars with 200+ quality PDI checks done to ensure the best ownership experience. Look for a quality used car of your choice in your city.
 

Things to consider before PDI of second hand cars


Buying a used car is sometimes seen as a task as you may not be sure of the car’s true history. There are many easy ways to ensure that you are not just getting a good deal, but also a good second hand car. A respectable or popular used car dealer will have a multi-point PDI checklist for used cars but if you want to be absolutely certain about the authenticity of the information provided, here are the things to have on your car inspection checklist.
 

Pre Delivery Inspection - Examine the Car


Find a well-lit spot with enough space to walk around the car and give it a proper once-over. The exterior may have some dents, scratches, or discolouration. The interior comes next, followed by checks to ensure proper functioning of equipment and electrical components. A detailed PDI checklist is provided below explaining what you need to look out for taking delivery of a used car.
 

Pre Delivery Inspection - Ownership Documents


Remember to check all the necessary documents related to the second hand vehicle. Check the vehicle’s ownership history, registration certificate, original invoice if available, PUCC, insurance are all up to date. Additionally, check the service history of the vehicle. All of these documents are critical and affect the value of the used car. 
 

Pre Delivery Inspection - Service History


Another crucial set of documents to have a look at and ensure are given to you is the collection of bills, invoices, or job cards which specify the work that was carried out on the car and the name of the company, workshop or mechanic that has done it. The list of parts installed and type of work done are huge clues about whether the car was involved in an accident of any kind, and point to which areas of the PDI checklist of the car you need to pay special attention to.
 

Pre Delivery Inspection - Insurance


The car should have a valid insurance policy in force at the time of purchase. A lack of insurance cover should be seen as a warning. There are different kinds of insurance for cars and if the used car you have chosen has a comprehensive cover, that’s great. If it has a third-party-only cover, it’s not a major red flag but it would be wise to look at the no-claims bonus on the policy or the one before it as well as that crucial part of the PDI checklist – the service history. There are a number of professionally checked used cars for sale on CARS24.

 

 

PDI Checklist - Body Damage, Scratches or Dents

 

PDI Checklist - Body Damage, Scratches or Dents


 

The physical appearance of a car goes a long way in helping determine whether it is in good shape. You may need an expert eye to ascertain these finer aspects.
 

  • The car should stand straight and not appear lop-sided on either side. Any squat or drop at the front or rear, left or right, may point to more complex issues such as mismatched wheels/tyres or even suspension damage.
     
  • Tyre wear should be more or less similar for all four wheels. Extra wear on one wheel or one side may be due to improper wheel alignment. Check the service history to see if the tyres were changed at different intervals.
     
  • There should be symmetry in the lines and creases of panels on the left and right side. Any deflection may indicate former damage or replacement. Especially large gaps between panels, doors and boot-lid, may be signs of deeper problems.
     
  • Paint finish and shade must be consistent. Any change of shade may indicate a repaint, it may indicate the vehicle being involved in an accident. Older cars from cities with warm climates may have some fade, but it should be gradual and not sudden or sharply contrasting.
     
  • Check for signs of rust, especially in the engine bay and the underbody. Cars from coastal areas are more prone to rust.
     
  • Weld spots or rivets should be in a consistent sequence, under the bonnet, along the sides of the engine bay, and around the structure of the cabin or the chassis. This is visible with the doors open, where the pillar meets the roof, and around it. Any asymmetry could point to the car being involved in an accident earlier, or even a shoddy workshop job to conceal it.

 

PDI Checklist - Interior Inspection

 

PDI Checklist - Interior Inspection


The quality of the used car interior is an important part of the PDI checklist. While some wear is normal, the function of components should not be hampered.
 

  • All door handles and door locks should function as expected.
     
  • Doors and windows should close fully and consistently.
     
  • Beading and rubber seals around the doors and windows should not be damaged or hardened and cracked.
     
  • The dashboard, various controls, and screens, if any, should be in good shape and not have any scratches or damage.
     
  • Seat support should be appropriate and all adjustments for recline, slide and lumbar support should be checked.
     
  • There should be no foul smell in the cabin, either from the floor, upholstery or fittings.
     
  • Check for signs of rust on the floor joints or under the carpeting/mats wherever possible.
     
  • The spare wheel or puncture repair kit, jack, tyre iron, and hazard triangle must be present.

 

PDI Checklist - Electrical Inspection

 

PDI Checklist - Electrical Inspection


Electronics are a huge part of a car today so it is crucial to ensure they work as they should. From simple electrical components such as the lights, dials and gauges to the advanced electronic and assistance systems such as traction control, anti-lock brakes and even ADAS should be checked. Taking a test drive and keeping an eye out for inconsistencies is of utmost importance.
 

  • Check that the headlights on low and high beam, parking lights, tail-lights and turn-indicators and any necessary backlit elements in the cabin all work as needed.
     
  • Air-conditioning and controls, whether buttons, dials or touch surfaces, should perform the desired functions.
     
  • Wipers front and rear should clean efficiently with no lines. Also check wiper blades for damage.
     
  • Odometer, trip meters, tachometer and fuel gauge should work faultlessly.
     
  • Check the brakes and consistency of operation as well as braking distance.
     
  • Check the console for any lights that should not stay illuminated after starting the car and getting a move on, such as the “check engine” and “airbag” lights.
     
  • Use the music system, speakers and all ports including Aux and USB. Also check for working Bluetooth connectivity, if the car is equipped.
     
  • Ensure operation of parking assistance or rear camera and any audio-visual signals such as beeps are as required.
     
  • Check the functionality of advanced features such as cruise control and advanced driver assistance systems as far as possible.

 

PDI Checklist - Essential Fluids

 

PDI Checklist - Essential Fluids


The lifeblood of a car’s engine is the fluid used for various parts for the car so having everything topped up or at the right level is crucial.
 

  • Check the engine oil level and refer to service history to verify oil change intervals.
     
  • Transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and even wiper-washer fluid are all important.
     
  • Ensure correct coolant level and good condition of the radiator. There should be no leaks or stains.
     
  • Check tyre pressure of all wheels and even the spare wheel to ensure everything is in order.

 

Conclusion


Taking delivery of a car is an important milestone. While it can be an exciting moment, it is imperative to control your emotions, and ensure you perform basic checks for the car. We hope this PDI checklist for used cars will be of help to you and let you drive away in your car with a well-deserved peace of mind.

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